Top 10 Best Gift Cards to Buy for Christmas
Whenever Christmas is around the corner, one of many things it means is gift shopping! But let’s face it, finding the perfect gift can be stressful. What if they don’t...
December 13, 2024
6 mins Read
If you’ve ever gotten a Sephora beauty gift card as a gift, you already know how exciting it is. But with all the different styles and designs out there, it can be a little confusing to tell which ones are real and how to check if they actually have money on them.
I’ve had friends ask me, “How do I know if this card’s been used?” or “Is this even a real Sephora gift card?” And honestly, those are smart questions to ask. Fake cards and scams are more common than people think, and sometimes you might get a card that looks legit but doesn’t work.
In this guide, I’ll help you recognize the different pictures and designs used on Sephora gift cards, both the plastic and e-gift card options. I’ll also show you how to check your Sephora card balance the right way and what to watch for to make sure your card is good to go. Knowing these things can save you time and prevent frustration. So, let’s get started.
What Are Sephora Gift Cards?
Sephora gift cards are prepaid cards you can use to buy anything from makeup and skincare to fragrance and hair products at Sephora stores or online. If you love beauty products, or know someone who does, they’re one of the easiest gifts out there.
When you get a Sephora beauty gift card, it works kind of like a debit card. The amount of money on the card is already loaded, and you just swipe or enter the card number when you’re ready to pay. The cool part is you don’t have to use the whole amount at once, it’ll save the balance until your next purchase. You can even check your Sephora card balance online or in-store so you always know how much is left.
People love these gift cards because they give you the freedom to pick out exactly what you want. But since there are so many different designs and types, it’s helpful to know what to look for, and that’s what we’re diving into next.
Types of Sephora Gift Cards
Sephora offers a few different types of gift cards, and each one works a little differently. It’s a good idea to understand what kind you have, so let’s break it down:
Physical Sephora Gift Cards
These are the plastic cards you can buy at Sephora stores, online, or in places like Target, Walmart, or grocery stores. They usually come with different Sephora gift card designs -some are plain black with the logo, while others have fun graphics for birthdays or holidays. You can load them with amounts ranging from $10 to $250, and they work both in-store and online. Make sure to write the 16-digit card number and 8-digit PIN somewhere safe in case you lose your card.
Sephora E-Gift Card Option
Digital gift cards (or e-gift cards) are emailed directly to you or the person you’re gifting. They have a unique code and sometimes a PIN, and they work the same way as physical cards. They’re perfect for last-minute gifts, and you don’t have to worry about shipping. They come in denominations ranging from $25 to $250.
Merchandise Credit Cards
These aren’t exactly gift cards, they’re store credit. If you return something without a receipt or past the return window, Sephora might give you a merchandise credit instead of cash. These have similar features to the physical card except they have no PIN. Also, they can only be used in-store and don’t work online.
How To Identify a Sephora Gift Card
Whether you’re holding a physical card or looking at a digital one, here are some key things to check so you know your Sephora gift card is legit and ready to use.
Brand Name
First, look for the Sephora brand name clearly printed on the card. Real Sephora gift cards will always include the brand’s official logo. If you see a card that’s missing the name, has a weird font, or looks off in any way, be careful, it might not be the real thing.
Card Information
Every Sephora beauty gift card has a unique card number and, most of the time, a PIN. These are used when you make a purchase or want to check your Sephora card balance. For physical cards, the PIN is usually under a scratch-off area on the back. On e-gift cards, it’s shown in the email. If your card is missing this info, it might not be usable.
Expiration Date
Sephora gift cards don’t expire. So if you see a card that has an expiration date printed on it, that’s a red flag. Sephora’s policy is that their gift cards, including Sephora e-gift card options, stay valid until the full balance is used.
Card Design and Quality
Look closely at the design. Real Sephora gift card designs are printed cleanly, with no blurry text or off-centered logos. Physical cards feel like a regular credit card -smooth, sturdy, and professionally made. If it looks cheaply printed, it might be fake or tampered with.
Where You Got It From
Only buy or accept Sephora gift cards from trusted sources. That includes official Sephora stores, their website, or well-known retailers like Amazon. Another trusted and reliable place to purchase a Sephora gift card is Nosh, a popular gift card trading platform where you can get original cards at great prices.
Check the Balance Right Away
Before you shop, always check your Sephora card balance online at Sephora’s official site or in-store. If there’s a problem, like the balance is $0 even though the card is new, that’s something you want to know right away. Checking early can help you catch any issues before you get to the checkout.
Related Article: How Much Is a $100 Sephora Gift Card in Nigeria in 2025?
How to Check Sephora Gift Card Balance
If you’re wondering how much is actually on your brand new Sephora gift card or a used one whose balance you have forgotten, checking the balance is easy. Doing this ahead of time saves you from surprises and helps you plan your purchase better. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Go to Sephora’s official gift card page, and scroll towards the bottom of the page
- You’ll see an option that says “Check Your Balance” with spaces for your card number and pin to be inputted
- Enter your card number and pin correctly, then click the “Check balance” button. Your current balance will pop up on the screen. That’s the amount you can use in-store or online.
If it says $0 and you haven’t used the card yet, reach out to Sephora customer service right away.
You can also check your balance at any Sephora store by asking a cashier, or by calling Sephora’s customer service line at 1-860-640-7897.
Sephora Gift Card Security Features
Fake cards are out there, and they can look pretty convincing. That’s why it helps to know the security features that real Sephora beauty gift cards include. These small details can help you tell the difference between an authentic card and a fake one.
Here are the main security features to look for:
- Scratch-off PIN Panel: On physical cards, the PIN is hidden under a silver or gray scratch-off area. This helps keep the card secure until you’re ready to use it. If the PIN is already scratched off when you get the card, that’s a red flag.
- Holographic Sephora Logo: Some Sephora gift card designs include a holographic logo that changes slightly in the light. This makes it harder to copy or fake.
- Unique Serial Number: Every gift card has its own card number and serial number. No two cards should be the same. If your card doesn’t have a number, or if it looks like it was printed or glued on, it might not be legit.
- QR Code on Digital Cards: For Sephora e-gift card options, the email will often include a QR code that links directly to your card info. This code is unique to your card and can’t be reused.
Troubleshooting Tips for Sephora Gift Cards
Even with a real Sephora beauty gift card, you might run into a few issues. Don’t worry, it happens, and most of the time it’s something you can fix pretty quickly. Here are some of the most common problems and what you can do about them:
- Card Not Activating: Sometimes a gift card doesn’t get activated properly at checkout. This usually happens if the cashier forgets a step during the sale. If your card says ‘not activated’ when you try to use it, go back to the store where you bought it with the receipt and ask them to verify activation.
- Balance Discrepancies: If the amount on your card doesn’t match what you expected, it’s possible there was an error or the card was used without your knowledge. Always keep your original purchase receipt and any transaction records if you’ve used the card before. This can help Sephora track what happened.
- Digital Card Not Received: Bought a Sephora e-gift card but never got the email? First, check your spam or junk folder. Make sure the email address you entered was correct. If everything looks right and the card still hasn’t arrived, contact Sephora customer service with your order number.
- PIN Scratched Off or Missing: If you mistakenly scratched off the PIN on a physical card, making it unreadable, Sephora may be able to help you, that is if you have proof of purchase. But always avoid scratching too hard.
- Card Already Used: If a card you just received shows a $0 balance or won’t work, it may have already been used, possibly by mistake or as part of a scam. Report this to Sephora right away.
Also Read: Where Can I Buy Sephora Gift Card
FAQs About Sephora Gift Cards
- Do Sephora gift cards expire?
Nope! Sephora gift cards, both physical and digital, never expire. You can use them whenever you’re ready, whether that’s next week or next year. Just make sure to keep the card number and PIN safe so you can access your balance later.
- Can I use a Sephora gift card online and in stores?
Yes! Most Sephora beauty gift cards can be used both online at Sephora.com and in physical Sephora stores. Just enter the card number and PIN at checkout if you’re shopping online, or hand it to the cashier in-store.
- What should I do if my e-gift card email didn’t arrive?
First, check your spam or junk folder, it might have landed there. If you still don’t see it, make sure the email address you entered was correct when ordering. If it was and it’s still missing, contact Sephora customer service for help.
- Can I reload or add more money to a Sephora gift card
Unfortunately, Sephora gift cards are not reloadable. Once the balance is used up, you’ll need to purchase a new card if you want to add more funds. But you can definitely use multiple gift cards on a single purchase if you have more than one.
Final Thoughts on Identifying Sephora Gift Cards
Now that you know how to spot a real Sephora gift card, understand the types (physical, digital, and merchandise credit), and how to check your Sephora card balance, you’re way more prepared to avoid scams and get the most out of your gift. You’ve also learned how to handle common issues and what security features to look for.
So if you’re wondering where to buy or sell Sephora gift cards, look no further than Nosh. Nosh is one of the fastest and most reliable gift card trading platforms in Nigeria and Ghana. When you trade on Nosh, you get absolute value for your money. So, what are you waiting for?
